As the holiday season approaches, many professionals think it is time to take their foot off the gas when it comes to networking. However, if you learn to capitalize on holiday parties, volunteering events, and end of year conferences, this period offers opportunities to make lasting connections in a more relaxed, enjoyable setting. Whether you’re looking to expand your career or grow your talent pool, the holidays provide the perfect chance to strengthen relationships and build new ones.
Make the Most of Seasonal Gatherings
Holiday events naturally put people in a celebratory mood, making them more open to connecting on a personal level. Companies host holiday parties, businesses host end of year conferences, and communities host charity and volunteering events. Check LinkedIn and Facebook for events near you. Connect with your colleagues, both current and past, and see if they know of any opportunities. If you’re attending holiday parties with friends or family, use the casual setting to comfortably engage with professionals in a more authentic way.
Perfect Your Elevator Pitch
Whether you are attending an office party or a volunteering event, introductory conversations usually include questions like what’s your name, what do you do, and how did you get here. Prepare a short, more informal version of your elevator pitch for these conversations. The goal of these interactions should be relationship-building and network growth, not necessarily landing your next big opportunity. Instead of focusing purely on job titles or roles, incorporate something more personable, such as shared interests or a reflection on how the season has influenced your career goals. This will make your pitch feel more natural in a relaxed setting.
Follow Up with Personalized Messages
When you return to the office after an event, follow up within a few days to stay fresh in their minds. Find the people you met on LinkedIn and send a connection request. Be sure to include a personalized message that mentions where you met them. If someone shared their phone number with you, take the time to follow up with a quick text letting them know you enjoyed meeting them and hope to be in touch in the future. For those individuals that you already knew and reconnected with, send a holiday card or personalized message to highlight the importance of the reconnection.
Balance Professionalism with Festivity
Holiday events are normally more relaxed and informal, but it is important to find the right balance between casual and professional. Pay attention to the dress code – festive clothing is encouraged but avoid anything too flashy or informal. Think of fun but polished attire that fits both the occasion and your industry. Know your limits with alcohol to ensure you do not overindulge and potentially say or do something to damage your reputation or the impression you leave.
Be Generous with Your Connections
Share your experience and connections with others. The holidays are about giving, and the same applies to networking. Make introductions for others, share events that might benefit them, and offer advice and assistance for roles in your niche. Helping others expand their network during this season will not only benefit them but also reflect positively on you.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Stay connected online throughout the holidays. Share your pictures and thoughts from events you’ve attended, like and comment on posts made by those in your network, and post updates about your work achievements and goals. Highlight your appreciation for those in your network throughout the season, tagging relevant people to boost engagement. By staying active on social media, you remain visible and relevant, even during the busy season when in-person interactions may be limited.
Conclusion
The holiday season is the perfect time to build new relationships, nurture existing ones, and expand your network in ways that will pay off for years to come. Whether you are searching for a job, looking to hire top talent, or simply growing your circle, there is no better time to start. Remember, authenticity is the key – be genuine in your interactions and focus on building meaningful relationships that go beyond surface-level connections. Seek out events, perfect your pitch, and start building relationships that will last long after the holidays.
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The post Holiday Networking: How to Make Connections that Last appeared first on High Country Search Group.